Bali – Family-Friendly Child Education Volunteer Program

At the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands between Java and Lombok, Bali is one of Indonesia’s most admired islands. The green, terraced rice fields, coconut forests and endless beaches are only part of the island’s natural beauty, making Bali a very popular destination for domestic and international tourism. Artistic and cultural interactions, such as traditional Balinese dance performances, are experiences you do not want to miss. This project is in southern Bali, in the rural town of Ubud, which is surrounded by small farms, rice paddies and dense forests.

While volunteering as a family on the teaching program in Bali, the local coordinator will tailor an itinerary to suit your family’s interests. Your activities may include teaching at the Kindergarten School and/or taking part in the Environmental Education program:

Kindergarten Initiative: In this project, you’ll be engaging with children aged 2-5 from economically disadvantaged villages near Ubud, within an informal educational environment. The initiative aims to spark an enthusiasm for learning among these young learners, setting the stage for their future schooling. Your role involves teaching foundational English, including basic greetings and sentence formation. Through interactive activities like games, songs, and arts and crafts, you’ll play a pivotal role in setting these children on the path to a successful educational journey. Please be aware that this project is paused during June, July and August during the school holidays.

Environmental Education: Bali’s natural beauty is overshadowed by rapid development and tourism, resulting in environmental issues such as plastic pollution. This project aims to teach Balinese children about environmental conservation through engaging activities. As a volunteer, you will start the day by planning campaigns and then head to Ubud schools in the afternoons to implement these activities. The program emphasizes various ways to educate children about protecting the environment and focuses on primary schools, encouraging teamwork and individual responsibility. Balinese culture has a deep respect for nature through ceremonies like Tumpek Uduh, which honor trees for their contributions to human and environmental well-being.

Primary School Education: As a volunteer in this program, you will be assigned to a community school to work with children aged 7-11 with limited or no English proficiency. Your primary goal will be to teach basic English comprehension skills and prepare the children for primary and secondary school. You’ll use engaging, creative games to develop their academic skills and mindset. You’ll work independently, with tasks including developing lesson plans, tutoring, teaching classes, and organizing sports activities.

Example of a 1-Week Family Volunteer Itinerary

Meals: B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner

Please note that the schedule is flexible and may be subject to change. Children are welcome to assist their parents in the class or take part in activities alongside students. Family volunteers can also engage in cultural exchanges and play with the children, fostering a fun and enriching experience for everyone.

A Typical Day: Volunteers are usually involved in direct teaching activities for 2-3 hours daily, with an additional 2 hours dedicated to lesson planning. The total commitment is around 4-5 hours each day from Monday to Friday, leaving your weekends free for exploring Bali or visiting other places.

Important Note: Please note that this project, as well as others, may not operate during public holidays. In such instances, you have the option to participate in the Construction project or take the time to enjoy Bali at your leisure.

Internet: Wi-Fi is available at the accommodations.

Laundry: There are laundry facilities in the village for a small fee.

Accommodations: Families will have a private room or set of rooms in volunteer house. Depending on the size of your family and family structure there are options for parents and kids to have separate private rooms next door to each other, or share in one large family room. Rooms are equipped with bunk beds, electricity, a kitchen and western style toilet facilities. There is a pool open year-round that is less than a five-minute walk from the accommodation. The accommodation is a 15-30 minute ride to the different project sites. Volunteers will be transported from the accommodations to the project sites.

Food: During the week, your family will be provied breakfast, lunch and dinner, while on weekends, only breakfast and dinner are available. You also have the option of buying your own groceries and cook for yourself in the kitchen. Indonesian food is tasty and diverse and volunteers can expect to experience a myriad of flavors and meals during their stay. Typical dishes included miegoreng (fried noodles and vegetables), nasigoreng (fried rice and vegetables) or gadogado (mixed vegetables with a satay sauce). For those who do not eat meat, Indonesian cooking uses a lot of tofu and tempeh (soybeans). We also provide some western dishes. We provide a varied breakfast, including pancakes, fresh fruit, toast, etc. We provide filtered drinking water. Tea, coffee and purified water are available at the volunteer house. We understand children can sometimes be picky eaters, and we will do our best to accommodate their preferences. During your application, please inform us of any allergies or dietary requirements you or your children may have. This way, our team leaders and coordinators can make the preparations and special arrangements for you.

• Minimum age of 5 for children
• Good level of English
• Police clearance
• Good physical fitness
• Work well in a team
• Motivation to work with children
• Enthusiasm and to be open-minded

​Bali has something for everyone. However, if you are looking to explore beyond Bali, you can head west on a 30-minute ferry and visit Java. With over 450 different bird species, Java is a birdwatcher’s paradise, surrounded by endless rice fields and volcanic mountains. For a more cultural experience, you can explore Lombok Island, which is famous for its wooden masks, traditional hand-woven textiles and pottery. You could also visit Sanur, an east coast town south of Bali; a worthwhile visit for an early sunrise hike overlooking the white sandy beaches and beautiful scenery.

Bali Culture Week (Highly Recommended):

A week-long introduction to Bali and Balinese culture. This week is the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow volunteers and get to know the local Balinese community! Orientation will take place in Penestanan Kaja village (just five minutes from the Ubud center) where you’ll familiarize yourself with Balinese culture, traditions, and living. The orientation includes walking tours, a traditional Balinese dance show, a mini language course to learn common Indonesian phrases and words, an art class and tours of famous temples. The orientation program runs from Monday through Friday, giving you the weekend to relax or explore the area on your own before you are driven back to Ubud to begin your volunteer program.

Program Add-Ons:
Consider joining one or more of these special programs to add another dimension to your Balinese experience:

• Yoga and Mind Week: Learn yoga and meditative practices to improve your health and well-being.
• Bali Adventure: Jump into an adventure- filled week of trekking up volcanoes, cycling through town and then enjoy a relaxing massage at the end of the week.

Please note that there is an additional fee for these programs. See additional options below.